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Thaloc
02-18-2009, 02:07 PM
Wrapped my headers last night. Wasn't too bad, took me a while though. I couldn't find any stainless steel zip ties ANYWHERE in town so im using some Hose Clamps untill the ones I ordered off the net show up. I havn't painted them yet, ill rattle can it with some high temp paint when I get home. Along with gloves and long sleeves I would advise a painters mask, I got a bit of fiberglass to the throat. And I used almost all 50', prolly like 40+'.


Looks alot better than I thought it would. Heres a few pics. From my phone sorry!
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/2043_20090218080558_L.jpg
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/2043_20090218080550_L.jpg

strmvt
02-18-2009, 02:10 PM
looks great hehe I could never do that to my Micron tho they are just to sexy though I do want to ceramic coat them.

tf1175
02-18-2009, 03:04 PM
looks good...you used more wrap because your spacing between overlaps is smaller. I made my spacing a little bigger so less wrap was used. Nice Work

NOMORE4s4ME
02-18-2009, 06:40 PM
It looks great. Where did you start and finish? What prep did you do to the wrap? Did you drop the engine to do it?

firechickenXB9R
02-18-2009, 07:42 PM
No more then a 1/4 in over lap is recommended. I am going to do mine and corious about the engine drop, needed or not?
Thanks,

tf1175
02-18-2009, 07:49 PM
engine drop is not needed...did it to mine without dropping engine and was easy. there are a few threads around with guides. heres how mine looks

http://i41.tinypic.com/2ue4b6g.jpg

firechickenXB9R
02-18-2009, 08:58 PM
How much wrap did you use?

firechickenXB9R
02-18-2009, 09:02 PM
How did you get all the way to the back header?

dave_xb12r
02-18-2009, 10:02 PM
Looks great!

2 things:

1. Steel zip ties are available at home depot

2. I've always heard you're supposed to start at the bottom and work up, that way the overlap is on the bottom so water won't leak in.

tf1175
02-18-2009, 10:25 PM
and the wrap on teh rear pipe doesnt go all the way to the engine i just worked it around as far back as possible. I had 2 rolls which i think were 25 feet each and used 1 roll for each pipe with about 8 feet leftover from one and about 2 feet on the other. As far as where you start its personal opinion. I wrapped from the top down because when I ride i wanted the wind to go with the ooverlapping and not flip up any of the wrap and although it might let in water i don't ride in the rain that much and i wrapped it tight enough anyways. I personally think its better to start from top down so that the wind doesn't life the wrap when ur driving. to each his own

maybebuell
02-18-2009, 11:35 PM
believe the wrap should go the other way ...eather way looks cool

1001yos
02-19-2009, 12:14 AM
Three things while were all here:

What is the significance of wrapping the headers, besides esthetics (astetics?) because that definately looks freakin eh'

What does the header look like after a duration of riding with the wraps

How often is replacement necessary?

tf1175
02-19-2009, 12:35 AM
1) heat reduction is why most people do it.

2) the header will have stains on it but nothing that you cant clean up with elbow grease.

3) it depends on how well you wrap it, wrap it tight and you wont need to replace it at all and i have heard that as far as painting the wrap, it depends again how often you ride and if you ride a lot in the rain because that can take away some of the color to it and ruins the wrap over time. You might need to reapply the paint once or twice a season but again it all depends but on average i would say that.

Do it right the first time and you should be fine. get the wrap wet and wrap it tight so that when it dries it pulls tight against the pipe. And use the supplied sealer paint so that it seals the wrap along with giving it a nice color...if you do it right it requires very low maintenance...kind of like oil changes

Thaloc
02-19-2009, 01:19 AM
I used about 40 feet. I started from the top and worked down just cause the top seemed harder and I figure get it out of the way. The left header wrap doesn't make it all the way up. As for water like Dave said I figured the header paint would take care of that.

For the summer its mainly to keep the heat off ya. But there is a performance gain in cold temps. Keeps the air hot and moving fast out of the engine.

I called everywhere in my small city. Fastenal, Home Depot, Lowes Hardware, The Fasteners, Two different Jerry's Auto Supply, Napa Auto Parts. Pretty much everyone I thought would have them...Nobody. I just ordered a set off ebay of 10 ties for $8 and no shipping. I just finished painting them. Only complaint I have is that like u can see in tf1175's pics u cant really paint the top of the left header, or behind where they meet together w/o taking the headers off.

I would say if u know how to lower the engine and remove the headers it would make the process much easier on wrapping, and painting. Ill get a few pics up when my girl gets back with the adapter to upload from the digi cam.

Thaloc
02-19-2009, 01:42 AM
ok lol, so. Im sure its OK, cuzz everyone has their headers wrapped has no probs, but.... I just let the paint sit for an hour and then took it outside to idle and burn some of it off, and... the gap between the headers where u cant get to, I could totally see glowing red header. I kinda expected it and it does worry me a little, but Iv seen so many of ur guys pics with ur headers wrapped so.. eh whatever.

meetch
02-19-2009, 03:41 AM
looks awesome... nice wrap pattern.

keisersozae
02-19-2009, 01:44 PM
did mine too!!

i used black wrap so i havnt painted them yet.


http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee59/keisersozae/DSC05687.jpg

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee59/keisersozae/DSC05686.jpg

henri66
02-19-2009, 08:29 PM
Still not sure to choose for ceramic coating or black wrapping. Until I found some coloured wrapping tape i preferred the first option. Because I am not fond of spraying on/near the bike.

But for some more info, I found the next PDF.

http://www.heatshieldproducts.com/pdf/exhaust_wrap_install.pdf

Happy wrapping!

Buellysses
02-19-2009, 08:47 PM
Awesome job on the wrap! Looks good.

1" or 2" wide wrap?

keisersozae
02-19-2009, 10:34 PM
mine was 2"x50'. i used about 40'.

Timeless801
02-21-2009, 08:16 AM
Hahaha henri66 I love how that PDF you found teaches you how to use a zip-tie.. wow! if you dont know how to use a zip tie you probably shouldnt be working on ANY engines..

WULFGODSXB
02-21-2009, 02:14 PM
I just did mine last week and got away with 25', 2" wide roll using a 1/4" overlap with about 5' left over will post some pics later. wetting makes a lot easer to work with and using regular zip ties hear and there to help hold it nice and tight while wrapping it makes it stay nice and tight while fighting with tight spots. to start rear header i wrapped a couple times down low put ss tie on it tight made sure it was nice and wet (slides easer)pushed and worked it up getting it all the way to the o2 sensor :D

WULFGODSXB
02-21-2009, 02:16 PM
dont for get to clip plastics ties off or it will smell reall pretty when you fire your bike up [smirk]

WULFGODSXB
02-21-2009, 04:15 PM
here is my pics
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/1861_20090221101233_L.jpg

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/1861_20090221101218_L.jpg
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/1861_20090221101203_L.jpg

firechickenXB9R
02-23-2009, 04:40 PM
I really think that the length of pipe at the rear will be a problem in the future. Just a thought.

Thaloc
02-26-2009, 02:49 AM
OK, so. Only gripe is that I didn't realize how much **** ur front tire kicks onto my headers. If I woulda thought about it I woulda made the connection cuzz that place is a bitch to scrub after a ride in the rain. So after my first ride in the rain today the back of the headers where they come together has dirt all over them. Nothing to do about it tho.. Oh well.

Thaloc
02-26-2009, 03:42 AM
Heres a cell pic of my wrap.
http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv358/08Bueller/0225092031.jpg

squiers007
02-26-2009, 03:28 PM
I have been looking around trying to find a good reliable place to buy some header wrap online and was wondering where everyone has bought theres from? Links are great also. Thanks.

firechickenXB9R
02-26-2009, 03:32 PM
Bought mine at the local Speed shop. But Ebay is a great spot.

keisersozae
02-26-2009, 06:28 PM
mine was from autozone.

cool tech was the brand name i believe.

$49.95 for the 50'x2" in black.

WULFGODSXB
02-27-2009, 12:27 AM
ebay nrm racing cheap and american made white or black. 25' 2" black $18.25 delivered [up]

Thaloc
03-06-2009, 04:33 AM
Has anyone else noticed that the fan comes on ALOT quicker with wrapped headers. I mean, just short 10 minutes or less through town to the office and my fan is on.

dave_xb12r
03-06-2009, 07:57 AM
Dang, it must hold the heat in instead of radiating it. Thats a bummer [sad]

keisersozae
03-06-2009, 12:45 PM
havnt noticed on mine, seems to run cooler. when i ride in the mornings my fan isnt coming on even after i stop and i still havnt replaced my scoop. speaking of, anyone got a stock left scoop?

WULFGODSXB
03-08-2009, 01:18 AM
Mine also seems to run cooler dont notice fan kicking on as much but season just started and is still cooler weather

Thaloc
03-08-2009, 01:40 AM
same here. cold weather. Fans on more.

tattoo72
03-08-2009, 03:16 AM
Just wrapped my header taday and installed copper exhaust gaskets. I used the new DEI Titanium wrap.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd72/tattoo72666/2005_0101stuff0086.jpg
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd72/tattoo72666/2005_0101stuff0088.jpg

http://www.jpcycles.com/Search/ProductDetail?sku=4400292&N=274786&Ne=755118%2028002799&Ntk=All&Ntt=&Ns=image|1||Exact%20Fit|1||CategoryRank|1||TopSell er|1||Universal%20Fit|0&results=10&No=0
http://www.designengineering.com/products.asp?m=sp&pid=95

2KWIK4U
03-13-2009, 07:17 PM
Wrapped mine last year but I haven't noticed any difference in the fan operation on mine. My leg is much cooler though.

Danny

03Firebolt9R
03-14-2009, 03:10 PM
speaking of, anyone got a stock left scoop?

Hey Keiser, are you talking about the ram air intake or the right side scoop?

keisersozae
03-14-2009, 08:47 PM
stock left side, mines an 07 so no ram air. still need one though. keep forgeting to stop at the dealer on my day off to check on price.

ramjr55
04-12-2009, 06:47 PM
I just wrapped my headers on my 05 firebolt. gives it a better look for less. Got the wrap on Ebay for $8 and the metal exhaust zip ties for $4 at Autozone.

chiligrease
05-11-2009, 02:25 AM
I have wrap on my road king, replace it every couple of years.a few tips for using header wrap:

long sleeves, painter's mask,mech gloves and safety glasses.

use a spray bottle w/water and squirt the wrap as you make your way down the pipe, pulling the wrap very tight as you continue. you'll find it forms to odd curves much better and when cured it's not so brittle.[rock chips and wrinkles cause frays] or soak the entire roll before you begin. keeping it wet keep the airborne fibers to a min.

use a slide clamp or spring clamp to keep the wrap in place if needed.

it'll smoke like hell the first time you fire it up or after you wash the bike, no worries, hit the road for 20mins and you're good.

silicone sealants are optional, i never use it and ride many miles a year in all conditions. it's a rider not a show bike.

lata

chili

xtremelow
05-11-2009, 02:55 AM
I just buy the black wrap and there is no need to paint it.

chiligrease
05-18-2009, 03:08 AM
zen and the art of header wrap.

all i reached a new level today, wrapped each pipe[individually] down to the collector,4 straps and 17ft of wrap.

started w/front pipe [top], continued where the 2 pipes meet and once around the collector. soaking in water helps hold in place


back pipe: from the top, wrapped tightly, worked down to collector, overlapped the existing front pipe wrap and collector.

as the pipes get closer together the wrap is more difficult to flow in, keep it wet and pull tight. This has a slightly different look, doesn't have that bulk where the two pipes run next to each other. will send pics later.

Miss_Buell
05-31-2009, 07:15 PM
can't wait to see the ''single'' wrapping pictures.
I was thinking of doing the same thing but wasn't sure if i had enough room :D

pdxanderson
06-13-2009, 12:39 AM
are there any problems with the warranty being voided for header wrappings or ceramic coating? i've read other places that wrapping sometimes leads to corrosion and can bring the pipes to temperatures that they physically cannot handle.

RichP99
06-18-2009, 02:39 AM
Just wrapped my header taday and installed copper exhaust gaskets. I used the new DEI Titanium wrap

Just wanted to know how it's holding up? Thinking about doing the titanium also... Pics maybe?

Gjcolley
09-21-2009, 03:02 AM
I have the same concern with the pipe temp. i wrapped mine the other day and rode for the first time at night and looked at my pipes at a stop light and in between where the pipes come together i could see the pipe glowing red? normal?[confused]

07Bolt
09-21-2009, 11:42 PM
TATTOO; the TITANIUM gets my vote. Post some pics after u run them a while [up]

Lost my color in a bucket of water; Black Screamin' Eagle wrap;

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_LynIWXzyFOQ/SrgNP02TskI/AAAAAAAAAag/KtDfJRgBVmw/hwrap1.jpg

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_LynIWXzyFOQ/SrgO_OpnN9I/AAAAAAAAAbY/zEh4PeCtCf0/hwrap2.jpg

emke
12-27-2009, 07:17 PM
Hi Buell riders, I am olso thinking about wrapping exhaust. Did you install wraps directly on pipes, or before wrapping take out pipes?

07Bolt
12-27-2009, 08:11 PM
either way; some say its easier left on; others say take'em off,,,

the pics above: i took them off (re-install kept fightin me, but i got them back on)

07Bolt
12-27-2009, 08:12 PM
imo: the copper looks the best; prolly works good too...

flaya564
03-08-2010, 08:04 PM
Couple of questions. I figured I would continue this thread instead of starting another one.

This silicone spray, what does it do and is it necessary?

I've read a few of these where they see their header glowing red but no one seems to have an answer to whether that is normal or even a good thing. Any ideas? Seems to be bad imo.

Thaloc
03-08-2010, 09:22 PM
I read the silicon spray can when I bought my header pain. It says it for the life of the paint. But if had my header paint for a year and half, i just respray every once in a while.

As for the red glow, it happened after the first start up after I wrapped them, kinda like when I seen my header glow red w/o the wrap once during break in. Iv never seen it again.

If you ride alot in the rain be prepared to respray every so often as it will get flaky.

But I love the look.

flaya564
03-09-2010, 01:06 AM
And what's the header paint for? sorry if these are stupid questions.

04buell12
03-11-2010, 01:41 AM
One question. did you guys have to take off the headers to do this, or just figure out the length and did them with them still on the bike?
I only ask cuz I'm not much of a mechanic

Buellgasm
03-16-2010, 12:45 PM
Hey guys, newbie here to the forum (luv it BTW)just a question also.
Do you still need to paint the coloured wrap or does it seal through the heat of the pipes?
I have some black Graphite impregnated exhaust wrap off ebay that i want to apply but henri's link seys not recommended to wet coloured wrap???
appreciate any help, Thanks.

Buellgasm
03-16-2010, 01:01 PM
Sorry guys found another thread on here that answered my Q's...sorry guess i'll have to look around a bit more. Cheers

1SexyBuell
05-20-2010, 10:32 PM
Here is mine
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/2132_20100520151837_L.jpg
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/2132_20100520151758_L.jpg

xb1339s
06-19-2010, 05:46 AM
i wrapped mine when i first got my bike. Just a word from the wise, wrapping your header will decrease the life of the metal, in some cases, the header wrap will be whats holding your exhaust together after a period of time

chevnut55
11-18-2010, 06:20 AM
i was thinking of doing mine ,im going for the blacked out look. but im not shure i like it. it looks racey but also looks like a broken arm. i think you can get the same results if you ceramic coat the pipes,i had it done to all my cars and it drops the temps alot,its also cooled really fast.

nativeXb12Rbuell
11-18-2010, 06:55 PM
I like mine wrapped , but you got to take measures to make sure they stay looking good like repainting with Black HT Silicone Coating (i used DEI motorcycle wrap with black ht silicone coating)
when they start fade from being in the sun all the time and make sure to let bike idle to dry it before parking it.
I like the look of the Black ceramic coated also, plus with the ceramic coating it would cost more and little less hassle in maintenance.

xxspudxx
11-18-2010, 07:12 PM
7000 miles later, time for a re-wrap. Starting to fall apart. Looked great with normal maintenance until 500 miles ago.

Worth it? I think so. I like the wrapped look over the coated look.

jasoncummings64
02-20-2011, 12:08 PM
gjcolley, if you only unbolt you right side header, u can use a wonder bar to seperate the headers enought o wrap all the way down to the joint(merge) releasing the wonder bar will hold the header wrap in place, i used 1/8th inch wrap instead of 1/16th wrap, and then came from the bottom up wrapping over and past the split pipes for about four inches. when i ordered i bought two fifty foot rolls, and had plenty to redo it from the bottom twice without even opening up the second roll. i worked out of a two gallon bucket of hot water returning the wrap into the bucket after each wrap. looks great, although not as perfectly uniform as some of the others on here.

Brett01
06-24-2011, 01:40 AM
Just finished wrapping mine. Super easy, left the headers on - just removed the scoop and all the bolts in the chin fairing so that I could move it out of the way. I put it on wet, so started it up after to dry it out, and get the smoking part out of the way - word from the wise, do this outside!


http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx244/brettar01/SANY1297.jpg
http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx244/brettar01/SANY1298.jpg
http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx244/brettar01/SANY1296.jpg
http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx244/brettar01/SANY1300.jpg
http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx244/brettar01/SANY1302.jpg
http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx244/brettar01/SANY1304.jpg

MurderedBuell
06-24-2011, 11:09 AM
Nice idea putting it on wet.

xtreme
06-24-2011, 11:43 AM
Not sure if its 100% true, but I have heard of possible excessive header heat issues if the wrap is not continued all the way to the cyclinder head. Some people have mentioned that since the wrap keeps the heat contained that the bare part of the header would glow cherry red.

zdawg123
06-24-2011, 12:59 PM
50 feet of 2" DEI titanium wrap and lovin the results!
Here's the link for any 1125 guys on here who want some more info on what I did.

http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/Buell-1125CR/1125-Headers-Wrapped

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/9407_20110623063859_L.jpg
http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/9407_20110623063949_L.jpg

Brett01
07-06-2011, 04:22 AM
That titanium stuff looks badass!

zdawg123
07-06-2011, 11:18 AM
It seems to stay clean pretty well too. I haven't had any problems with it at all.

Ulysses XB12X
07-11-2011, 03:15 PM
I like the color too...it seems to match some of the gold accent on my '06 Uly.

Cbyerspace
02-10-2012, 07:40 PM
has anyone had issues with their tunning after wraping... I had my bike mapped out to where I liked it then put wrap on and now it the rpms are slow to come back down when I let off, and run alittle high at idle after warmed up, what should I do to fix this?

oh9bolt
02-10-2012, 07:51 PM
Sell it..

TooFst
02-10-2012, 08:18 PM
Here's after the 2nd time I wrapped mine. The roomate had some high temp paint laying around.

http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz309/joshua11777/b77a046a.jpg

TooFst
02-10-2012, 08:21 PM
Just saw the smoke pic... So I just get done wrappin them and go for a little cruse around the block.. Stop at the stop light, and this guy comes in HOT.. "shut er down, shut er down".... Loved it!!

jackpotology101
09-11-2013, 01:51 AM
OK so I'm still confused...if you start from the rear pipe down (or even the front pipe down), should you cut lengths of the wrap first, like cutting the whole roll in half? Then when you get to the part where the pipes come together, do you wrap both together maybe once, zip tie, then start a second length of wrap on the next pipe, then overlap and wrap down to the collector? Not sure if I worded that correctly. I just got my DEI 2" 50ft roll of titanium wrap in the mail today and don't want to mess it up! links to vids appreciated [smirk]

Zeroflat24
09-11-2013, 02:23 AM
I don't really remember how exactly I did mine. I know I did it with the wrap wet, but I started with the rear pipe first. Then I did the front pipe. I am almost 100% certain I just jammed the wrap between the 2 pipes to hold everything tight. Then wrapped the part where the pipes come together, which covers where the other 2 pieces end.

oh9bolt
09-11-2013, 02:26 AM
This ^ but you dont wet titanium wrap

chevy42083
09-02-2014, 03:37 AM
So.... with titanium wrap that's kinda old (couple years? I dunno... previous owner), when it starts to loosen up, can i just undo the end, unwrap it part way, and tighten it up?

It has started to fray.... but they don't make a paint or sealer for the ti stuff. So I kinda don't want to completely replace it. It's so loose i can move the wrap around... like it's slipping around the pipes. I like the color, but don't want to re-wrap if I can just loosen and retighten it up. It's mostly loose around the section where the 2 pipe have just joined but are still very wide.

Just for the sake of sharing wrap pics....

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fdb_AYqUwls/Ut3iMG1NIRI/AAAAAAAABw0/Nvwpcsp1ET8/s720/IMG_2006.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dU4Kq61jo5E/Ut3iDB80xtI/AAAAAAAABwY/V02irhna_98/s912/IMG_2012.JPG

oh9bolt
09-02-2014, 10:51 AM
Nope you will have to re do it, it flakes and falls apart when unwrapping it.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s103/jacogan/BUELL/DEI%20Titanium/904f2ab5.jpg


http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s103/jacogan/Indy%20MotoGP/7FF29534-494D-49FD-9B32-A6CD4A9A5CB7-389-000000A336FE8C00.jpg

I have been through this twice with Titanium

mikek2111987
06-23-2015, 10:44 PM
Bringing back a dead thread!

So I just did mine with the standard black fiberglass wrap. I haven't put many miles on, but on my last ride after the smoke finally stopped it seemed like I was getting a lot more heat on my leg. Anyone else have this?

XLXB
06-24-2015, 03:33 AM
Mike did you do all the way up? If you didn't or left a gap by the O2 sensor your excess heat could be coming from there. Or did you do less than a half wrap? To an extant the more the merrier, like with all things with in reason. Oh9 looks like he did 3/4 to 2/3 overlap. I did about 2/3 overlap. And just an FYI, CV boot clamps work great to hold the wrap. And to answer you question no mine seemed to reduce the amount of heat.

oconnb17
06-24-2015, 12:50 PM
I thought you weren't supposed to spray header wrap with anything. @TooFST mentioned high temp paint, are people using that to paint their wrapped headers?

My thermotec bleached out after i soaked them and wrapped. I have a combo of Dark Gray and white now

http://www.buellxb.com/buell_images/4556_20150608071218_L.jpg

mikek2111987
06-24-2015, 01:14 PM
On the front I went from head right until it got too tight to continue near the collector, and stopped. For the rear I got it tight and slid it up towards the head where I couldn't reach, then where the pipes get near rash other I transitioned to wrapping both pipes with the same length down to the collector. Overlaps are probably about 1/2.

So there is probably some exposed header on the rear :( Also really wishing I went with the titanium after seeing oh9s pictures